Taylor man gets 40 years for intoxication manslaughter in deadly crash

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A 42-year-old man was convicted last week on an intoxication manslaughter charge stemming from a deadly crash in Taylor that happened in September 2022, according to a news release from District Attorney Shawn Dick's office.

That man was identified as John Crayton, Jr., of Taylor, and was sentenced to 40 years in prison, according to the DA's office.

Crayton was originally charged on two counts of intoxication manslaughter, according to court documents. However, a Williamson County jury found him guilty on one count and not guilty on the other. According to judgment paperwork, Crayton has 86 days of jail time credit, which will go toward his incarceration.

The crash happened on Sept. 5, 2022 in Taylor around 6 p.m. when Crayton was driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck north on Farm to Market Road 973 "at a high rate of speed," the release said.

"Witnesses observed the truck veering into the oncoming traffic lane and onto the shoulder before running a red light at the intersection with Carlos Parker Blvd SW," the release said.

The pickup truck struck a Toyota Camry, which killed the two passengers in it "instantly," the release said. Those passengers were identified as 39-year-old Leonora Soriano and her husband 38-year-old Christopher "Ali" Vassef.

"Leonora and Ali, high school sweethearts married in 2012, were traveling home from Leonora’s mother’s 60th birthday party when they were tragically killed. Known for their kind and generous spirits, the couple was deeply involved in their community," the release said.

"Upon arriving at the scene, EMS noticed the odor of alcohol on Crayton’s breath, and he refused to exit his vehicle or receive treatment.  Subsequent testing revealed that Crayton’s blood alcohol content was .175-- over twice the legal limit," the release said.

According to the DA's office, Crayton "has a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions for assault family violence, burglary, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, evading arrest, and public intoxication." Furthermore, he previously served 10 years in prison.

“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving,” Dick said in the release. “The senseless loss of life caused by Crayton’s reckless actions is a tragedy that could have been prevented. Although this verdict and sentence will not bring their loved one back, we hope it provides some measure of justice to the people who knew and loved Leonora and Ali. My office remains committed to holding accountable individuals who endanger our community.”